Lifters Ready to Shine: Nigeria Para Powerlifting National Trials Get Underway In Abuja

 

Building for the Future: Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federations Set To Recruit Next Roland, Nwogu,Onyinyechi, Omolayo...

Seyi Akanni

As the curtains draw open on the National Para Powerlifting Trials, the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation has set the stage for a new generation of lifters to shine. According to Federation Secretary Afolabi-Oluwayemi Olabisi, this initiative is part of the federation's proactive approach to grooming young talent and ensuring a seamless transition from the current crop of ageing lifters who have brought glory to the nation. With an eye on the 2028 Olympics, the federation is keen on catching them young and nurturing their skills to achieve better results on the world stage.

The trials, which kick off in Abuja on Saturday, June 14th, and run through to Monday, June 16th, 2025, will feature lifters competing in various weight categories ranging from 41kg to 107kg for both males and females. This event promises to be an exciting platform for young and aspiring lifters to showcase their strength and potential. With the federation's focus on developing a robust pipeline of talent, the future of Nigerian Para Powerlifting looks bright.

Nigeria's recent performances on the international stage have been nothing short of impressive. At the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai, the team scooped seven medals, including two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals. This was followed by an equally stellar display at the 2024 Paralympics in France, where the team won six medals, comprising two gold and four silver medals. These achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the country's lifters and coaches.

As the trials get underway, the nation watches with bated breath, eager to see the next crop of Para Powerlifting stars emerge. With the federation's commitment to nurturing young talent, there is no doubt that Nigerian Para Powerlifting will continue to thrive and bring glory to the nation. The trials are not just about identifying new talent but also about building a strong foundation for future success. As the athletes take to the platform, they will be pushing themselves to new heights, and the nation will be cheering them on every step of the way.

COMPETITION TIME TABLE FOR PARA-POWERLIFTING OPEN NATIONAL TRIALS 

 DAY 1 14TH JUNE, 2025) 12noon.

86KG   FEMALE 

+86KG FEMALE 

107KG MALE

  DAY 2 MORNING*(15TH JUNE, 2025) 11:00am prompt. 

41KG FEMALE 

45KG FEMALE 

49KG MALE 

54KG MALE

59KG MALE

          AFTERNOON

50KG FEMALE 

61KG FEMALE 

65KG MALE 

72KG MALE 

DAY 3 MORNING* ( 16TH JUNE, 2025)11:00am prompt. 

79KG FEMALE 

55KG FEMALE 

67KG FEMALE 

73KG FEMALE 

        AFTERNOON

80KG MALE

88KG MALE 

97KG MALE

https://x.com/ParaLifterNaija/status/1933852157192643062?t=dIDr7n3Qcah6NhIOHL-5cg&s=19

Osun SWAN Condoles Kano over Tragic Loss Of Athletes

 Osun SWAN condoles Kano over tragic loss of athletes

With hearts heavy with grief, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter, extends our deepest condolences to the Kano state government, Kano State Chapter of SWAN and the bereaved families over the tragic incident that occurred in Dakstalle, resulting in the painful loss of 19 irreplaceable lives, including athletes, journalists, medical personnel, and sports administrators. These individuals were patriotic sons and daughters of Nigeria, who had journeyed with noble intentions to represent their dear state at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

This devastating event has cast a dark cloud not only over Kano State but also across the entire Nigerian sporting community. The loss of such vibrant and committed individuals—men and women who dedicated their lives to the growth and progress of sports in Nigeria—is a monumental tragedy that words alone cannot capture. We mourn alongside you, and our hearts weep with yours.

To the bereaved families, we say: we may not fully understand the depth of your sorrow, but we share in your pain. May Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant comfort to every grieving heart. May He forgive the shortcomings of the departed souls and admit them into Al-Jannatul Firdausi. Their contributions to the sports ecosystem, their passion, and their dedication will never be forgotten.

To our esteemed colleagues in SWAN Kano, please accept our heartfelt sympathy. This is indeed a moment of great sorrow for all of us as sports journalists and professionals. The loss of our comrades in the line of duty is not just a loss to Kano, but to the entire fraternity of sports journalism in Nigeria. We acknowledge and honour their sacrifice.

We also extend our thoughts and prayers to those who sustained injuries in the unfortunate crash. We pray for their swift and complete recovery, and for divine strength to continue in spite of this painful experience.

During this time of immense grief, we stand in unwavering solidarity with SWAN Kano and the Kano State Government. We call on relevant authorities to provide the needed support to the affected families and survivors, and to take steps to ensure the safety of our athletes, journalists, and officials in the future.

May the memories of the departed remain a blessing, and may we all find strength in unity and shared humanity as we walk through this valley of sorrow.

NLO Medical Tests: 44 Players Found Unfit

 

44 Players Fail NLO Medical Tests

No fewer than forty-four (44) players have been axed by the Nationwide League One (NLO), after a comprehensive medical check-up conducted by authorized doctors to ascertain their medical conditions and fitness levels found them wanting. 

According to a statement from the media department of Africa's largest grassroot league, it was very important to conduct the medical examination test of players periodically in order to avoid sudden death.

According to the NLO Secretariat, the 44 players cut across 31 teams that were registered for the 2025 NLO season. 

Offa Football Club tops the list with six (6) players, after the tests conducted by Doctor Ayo Olajide, Medical Consultant to the Nationwide League, confirmed a few hidden medical ailments. 

Dr. Olajide also certified four (4) players of Camp Pro of FCT, Abuja unfit for the season on medical grounds. 

Reacting to the development, NLO's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Olushola Ogunnowo: "A comprehensive medical check of players is a norm before the kickoff of every NLO season. Interestingly, 44 players won't be part of the 2025 season owing to their health conditions. 

"The various test results have shown that some of the players were having issues of systemic hypertension or a medical condition. 

"The affected players and their respective clubs have been officially notified, as they can not take part in the 2025 NLO season because of their health status, and the essence is to preserve their lives. 

"With over 300 clubs cut across the NLO Division 1 and NLO U19, and thousands of grassroot football talents, this is why the medical tests are imperative for all the teams season in, season out."

Respect And Gratitude: Ololade Pays Homage To Late Col. Obi's Widow In Enugu

 Respect And Gratitude: Ololade Pays Homage To Late Col. Obi's Widow In Enugu

Osun United Chairman, Gbenga Ololade, paid a heartfelt visit to the widow of Late Col. Anthony Obi, the former military administrator of Osun State, at her residence in Enugu. The visit, which was unannounced, was a gesture of respect and homage to the late patriarch who had a lasting impact on the state's sports landscape. 

Ololade, who was accompanied by the team's Media Manager, Seyi Akanni, extolled the virtues of the late military administrator, particularly highlighting his role in adopting the then Osun State's female team, 'FSP Obi Babes' which thereafter metamorphosized to Osun Babes, during their tenure.

The widow, who still misses her husband dearly, spoke glowingly of the cultures and traditions of Osun State, expressing pride in the state's athletes who have made and still making waves both locally and internationally. As a holder of a chieftaincy title from Ilesha, (Iya Fiwajoye), she appreciated the visit, which she described as a demonstration of respect for her late husband's legacy. 

The conversation was filled with warmth and nostalgia, as they reminisced about the late Col. Obi's contributions to the state's development.

Ololade and Akanni concluded their visit by praying for Gods' guidance and long life for the widow. They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to pay their respects and acknowledged the late Col. Obi's enduring impact on Osun State. The visit served as a testament to the late military administrator's lasting legacy, and Ololade's gesture was seen as a mark of respect for the man who played a significant role in shaping the state's sports history.

Players To Win N11.5m As Osun Hosts 2025 National Table Tennis Festival

Players To Win N11.5m As Osun Hosts 2025 National Table Tennis Festival 

No fewer than 450 table tennis players and enthusiasts across Nigeria are being expected in Otan-Ayegbaju town in Osun State for the 5th edition of the 2025 Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Festival.

The tournament, sponsored by Michael and Felicia Alabi and organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation will be held at Idera multi-purpose hall in Otan Ayegbaju between April 27 and May 3, 2025.

Addresing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State chapter, at the Osogbo Township Stadium to herald the annual championship for 2025, the chairman of the Osun State Table Tennis Association, Mr. Ayodeji Alabi, explained that the case prizes for winners of the tournament for this year have been jacked up, saying the sum of N11.5million has been set aside for cash prizes alone. 

Alabi said that the tournament would not only promote table tennis game, but would also foster a sense of community, showcasing Nigerian culture and talent and discovering more talents in the table tennis.

He said about 450 persons including players, enthusiasts and others would be participating in this year's competition, saying 35 states of the federation have registered to participate.

The table tennis guru lamented that the table tennis game had been in obscurity, stating that the festival would bring the sport back to limelight.

Speaking on the essence of the table tennis festival and efforts at uplifting the game in the country, Alabi said, "We want to bring sports, especially table tennis back to the limelight and that is what we have been trying to do. That is the reason we are able to build this kind of edifice (Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Hall, Osogbo) which is the first in Nigeria. They have been playing table tennis all over Nigeria but this is the first standing alone hall in the whole of Nigeria and I thank God we are able to put this together. 

"We are having the Michael and Felicia National Table Tennis Championship coming up from April 27, to the 3rd of May. This is a different one because this is the 5th edition. Last year, we were able to house all the states that came into our own hotel. But, this time around, it will be more than the hotel. We are creating our own hall that will see to about 3,000 people. Apart from the hall, we are going to create a kind of new dimension in the entertainment.

"Whoever comes to this tournament will take a whole lot of happiness home because we already have an entertainment lounge that will feature so many artistes. Right after the game, there will be a whole lot of entertainment, there will be comedy show, there will be music shows, there will be a lot of well known disc jockeys. We are creating a lot of entertainment portfolios for whosoever is coming to this tournament. 

"As of today, about 35 states have already signed up for this tournament and going through the list of players, every Nigerian player on table tennis is being represented." 

Alabi disclosed that persons with disabilities will be participating actively in the tournament adding that categories such as men's singles, women's singles, under 15 boys singles, under 15 girls singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, veteran singles, para men singles open, para women singles open, deaf men singles, deaf women singles and local singles.

He added, "This year, we might be having about 400 or 450 participants and we are going to house and feed them free of charge. This year's tournament is different because we have been able to create an environment where participants will sleep and feed well."